Page 79 of Beneath Scarred Vows

I consider this, watching the lights of oncoming cars flash across his face. "I think I'm starting to be."

It's true. I do feel different. The numbness that has been my companion for so long seems to have receded, replaced by something warm and vibrant. I'm not naive enough to think it might be gone forever—the darkness I've carried since the fire will always be part of me—but I'm learning that it doesn't have to define me.

"I like seeing you this way," Ares says quietly.

I smile, reaching up to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. "Well, I think it has something to do with the company," I admit. "And maybe because of this," I say and take his hand, guide it up under my dress, and brush his fingers along the part of me that's exposed tonight.

The car swerves slightly as Ares's head whips toward me, his eyes wide with surprise before narrowing.

"Are you not wearing any?" he growls.

I raise an eyebrow. "You told me to wear something you could rip off," I remind him innocently. "I'm just making it easier for you."

His jaw clenches, a muscle ticking in his cheek. "You're going to be the death of me, Katerina."

"At least you'll die happy," I tease, feeling a surge of confidence I've never experienced before.

Ares laughs as the city envelops us, buildings reaching toward the sky on either side as we drive through the evening traffic.

"Almost there," Ares says, turning down a side street.

We pull into a discreet underground parking area, and Ares hands his keys to a valet who greets him by name. Anotherattendant opens my door, and I carefully exit the car, mindful of my lack of underwear.

The garage is full of expensive cars and well-dressed men funneling in and out. Women who look like models flock around them.

Ares comes up beside me, his arm sliding possessively around my waist. "Ready?" he asks.

"For what?" I ask, still hoping for a hint.

His smile is dark and dangerous. "Something completely different."

28

KATERINA

We walk inside. It's dark, and there's a soft glow from the lights.

A man approaches. "Welcome to Hades," he says and hands me an intricately decorated-looking mask.

He turns to Ares, stiffens, and whispers something to him. Ares nods and puts on his mask along with a glowing purple wristband.

I follow and place my mask on. "Do I look alright?" I ask, adjusting the mask. "I feel like I'm at a masquerade."

Ares looks at me, his mask is all black and very nice-looking. "You look perfect. Come here."

We start walking down a hallway, and I notice security and others glance down at Ares's glowing purple wristband and either nod or greet him.

We turn a corner, and I hear music and talking. Suddenly, we're surrounded by tons of people.

A woman approaches us with a tray of champagne. Ares waves it away, and when she turns, I do a double take.

"Oh my God, she's naked," I blurt out.

Ares smiles. "Something completely different, remember?"

He pulls me into a room, and lying on the table is one of the most beautiful women I've ever seen. She's wearing no clothes. Like, completely naked. I can see it all.

Placed strategically all over her body are small pieces of food. Ares reaches down and pulls one off her breast, then brings it to my lips.